Why You Shouldn’t Make A New Year’s Resolution, According To Fitness Expert Chad Flahive

“I put so much emphasis on others,” he said, “and then I don’t take care of myself.”

In this season of health and fitness resolutions, Boston.com turned to Flahive for advice on how to stick with fitness goals beyond the month of January. His number one resolution tip?

Don’t make one.

“I’m so against resolutions,” he said, citing the challenges people often face when confronted with their own lofty goals. Instead of shooting for potentially unattainable fitness targets, Flahive recommends setting “smaller intentions.” Rather than resolving to lose 40 pounds, for example, he suggests first trying to cut sugar out of your diet for two weeks.

“When you set smaller intentions, you’re more likely to expand them and make substantial, long-term change,” he said.

To stay motivated, Flahive puts the most emphasis on recharging — eating good food, meditating, and taking care of his mind as much as his body.

Here are some of his favorite ways to engage in self-care around the city.

Meditate
Flahive said meditating more is one of his primary wellness intentions right now. “It helps me take good care of my internal self,” he said. He’s reading “Do Your Om Thing!,” a mindfulness book from yoga instructor and fellow Bostonian Rebecca Pacheco. He’s also a fan of Equinox’s Headstrong meditation podcasts, available for Equinox members via the Equinox app. “You’ll find me [at Equinox] listening to the app and taking a little nap in the yoga studio,” he said.

Invest in yourself
“We live in a society where people want things and not experiences,” Flahive said. “But that cute new sweatshirt isn’t going to help get you where you want to be.” He suggests spending more on experiences that will benefit your health, whether that’s a personal training package, a gym membership, or a hiking excursion. That said, when Flahive is craving the hottest workout duds, he heads to Heartbreak Hill Running Company, a local destination for running and athletic gear. “The owners are all about supporting the community,” Flahive said. “I’m there once a month!”

Eat well
Wellness isn’t all about kale smoothies and counting calories; Flahive believes in food as fuel for the soul as much as for the body, and one of his favorite restaurants is South End steakhouse Boston Chops. “It’s all about getting enough protein,” he said, “and ordering a side of broccoli instead of the loaded baked potato!” He’s also a fan of Somerville’s Dali, a tapas restaurant with dim lighting and eclectic Spanish decor. “The space is so rejuvenating,” he said. “It’s just fabulous all the time.”

Recharge
Flahive loves spending time outdoors — as evidenced by Public Body’s outdoor fitness focus — but not just for workouts. He said he tries to head outside “as often as humanly possible” to reset and refocus. In particular, Flahive enjoys Underground at Ink Block, a new urban park and community arts installation under the Route 93 overpass in the South End that features a dog park, murals by local artists, and food vendors.